Reviewed by Cate Norris
We all know the story of the Titanic, the unsinkable ship that was destined to make history with its speedy transatlantic crossing time. Titanic – The Musical reveals what life was like aboard the ship for four couples in particular, all from different societal backgrounds. With their fate in the hands of the Captain, we witness the poor judgements he made, due to a terrible combination of ignorance, arrogance and peer pressure that led the Titanic to its tragic doom. Outlining social inequalities along the way in the disturbing differences between how 1st and 3rd class were treated as well as revealing how the whole disaster could have been avoided if warnings were not ignored time and time again.
Outstanding in forcing connections with characters to be made, were the songs Barrett’s song and Lady’s maid. You couldn’t help but sympathise with the situation of the people aboard the Titanic who were in search of a better life one way or another. Whether it be to find employment in America or through working on the ship. The realisation that most of them didn’t make it and had no control over that was very upsetting. That said, although it is a musical, occasionally it felt like there was a song or slow dance thrown in for the sake of it. The first act was a little slow and a focus on four couples may have been too ambitious as there is only the first act (all the action happens in act 2) to get to know them and get over the shock that none of them are going to be Jack and Rose (weep). I understand and appreciate why it was done in this way, there were lots of people aboard the Titanic after all and all had a story, however we love an underdog, so I was only really rooting for Kate, Jim and Barrett to make it into a lifeboat. (Sorry).
Staging remained the same throughout and consisted of lots of metal, railings and rope. Whilst the grandeur of the Titanic is notably missing the effect is nautical and it works. I was intrigued as to how the impact of hitting the iceberg would be achieved and of course the ship ultimately sinking. Sound was used marvellously well, chillingly in fact and actors used slow exaggerated movements, clung on to railings and tables and then dropped suddenly with accompanying darkness. This worked for me, but you do have to be open to using your imagination a little.
Titanic was a little slow in places but good overall. The acting was superb, the music was fantastic, and it was moving in parts. I would go and see it again just to hear the powerful harmonies.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £18 to £39.50 (booking fees may apply).
Titanic – The Musical is at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham from 2-7 July 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.trch.co.uk or call the box office on 0115 989 5555.
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall, Theatre Square, Nottingham, NG1 5ND
